Elizabeth Verzo, MS, RD, LDN earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI and her Master of Science degree in Dietetics from Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, IL. Verzo completed the dietetic internship from Loyola University Chicago and has been licensed as a Registered Dietitian since 2009. Additionally, Verzo has certificates in weight management for children & adolescents and adults.

Verzo works as an Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Educator, serving low-resource audiences in the south suburbs and south city of Chicago, IL. The program boundaries begin south of Roosevelt Rd. and extend as far west as Berwyn and Cicero and as far south as Lansing and Hazel Crest.

Through the EFNEP program, participants are provided with resources and a series of classes focusing on the current USDA guidelines, with the ultimate goal of making positive behavior changes. Programming is provided year round to participants that meet SNAP income guidelines, with an emphasis on families, particularly adults with children and youth in 3rd to 5th grades. During the summer, additional programming is offered for WIC participants in a week-long cooking class, where participants are taught: food safety, nutrition, basic knife skills, and prepare three to four different recipes each day for the five day period.

Prior to her work with Extension, Verzo worked with a WIC program in Chicago, IL. Verzo is deeply rooted in community nutrition and feels the greatest benefit to working with any audience, particularly limited resource audiences, is helping them achieve an improved quality of life.